Reflecting on 2020
What a weird year, 2020 was. Literally, the entire population of the entire world was affected by a virus. Businesses, schools, hospitals, neighborhoods, friends, families . . . It’s hard to believe that the heartbeat of our world changed so much in 2020.
At the start of the pandemic, I began working from home full-time. I’m incredibly fortunate to have this luxury. Working from home was something I’ve always wanted to try, because I thought I’d enjoy it. But I never had a job that was remote from the start or allowed me to work from home part-time. Enter the coronavirus, and here I am, nine months later, still working from home and thriving in this environment.
Outside of the obvious benefit of being able to socially distance myself from colleagues and keep myself safe, working from home was a positive change because I was able to focus more intensely on my art and business. Not having to commute saved time. Not interacting with people face-to-face all day saved energy. And the entire world was hunkering down too, so there was no FOMO or shame for just being a hermit (which is what I would willingly be most of the time, if I had it my way 100% of the time).
So, in 2020, Miner Book Co. saw a lot of changes. Pre-pandemic, I was starting to ramp up production on my ready-made journals. This turned out to be fantastic timing, because when the pandemic hit, people were buying journals like crazy. I suppose everyone wanted something new to record their thoughts, fears, stresses, and silver-linings in during this strange time. I sold out of a lot of styles between March-May and started gaining more experience with online selling, fulfillment of orders, and shipping requirements.
A few of my early books and designs
In the summer, I moved into a new space which afforded me a larger workspace and more storage options for my books and materials. This move jump started more book creation and ideas. It’s also when I began making paper and created a new Instagram page for my photography. Turns out, making this Instagram page made me more dedicated to my craft and really pushed me to find unique ways to photograph, record, and promote my books.
Throughout the fall, my focus was primarily on learning how to make paper. I’m completely self-taught, with no formal education or experience. I started making paper by watching Youtube videos and I bought a couple books that proved helpful as well. Really, though, the best sort of education is by just doing it. My first ever paper batches were made outside or in my garage. But, there is no stopping Minnesota winter from setting in. By October, it was snowing and freezing cold. I began figuring out how to make a small papermaking studio space in our unfinished storage room (it’s not pretty, but it’s functional!). This was a great move, as I then had close access to a water/power source and didn’t need to set-up/take-down my tools and materials each time I wanted to make paper.
My first ever papermaking set-up! There was still so much for me to learn when I snapped this photo.
My attempt at making a small papermaking studio inside. It’s much improved over my outside studio set-up, but there are things I still wish I had—mostly a window and more attractive walls.
I’m still very much learning how to make paper, but with each batch I can see my progress and improvement.
And now, at the tailend of 2020, I’m here, writing a blog post, on a new website I’ve spent the last few weeks creating. I feel I finally have direction and a clear purpose for this website and, really, Miner Book Co. as a whole. In 2021, I’m going to continue to build on the momentum from 2020. I’m going to focus on making unique papers and using them in my bookbinding projects. I’m going to start selling my paper. I’m going to try to increase my custom work. And, of course, I’m going to continue making books and trying new techniques.
If you were a part of my 2020, a sincere thank you for your support during this crazy and difficult year. 2021 is going to be another year of hard work, change, books, and paper. I’m so looking forward to it.
